Abstract
Background: 3D printing is a rapidly developing technology in the healthcare industry and in dentistry. Its application clearly shows that this area of digital dentistry has potential for everyday usage across all fields, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. However, despite gaining ground, there is a lack of information about how specialists (dentists and dental technicians) use additive technology. Our research group aimed to investigate the impact of social media on additive manufacturing technology among dental specialists and their everyday usage of 3D printing. Methods: This paper investigated specialists’ everyday usage of 3D printers via an online survey (Google Forms). The survey questions aimed to discover the number of 3D printers used, the accessibility of the devices, the annual cost, and the design programs. Since specialists tend to build online communities on social media, we circulated our study questionnaire using our profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram platforms during our research. Results: A total of 120 responses were received from 20 countries, with the most significant numbers being from Hungary 23.7% (n = 27), the United States 18.4% (n = 21), and the United Kingdom 7.9% (n = 9). Most of the participants were dentists (n = 68) or dental technicians (n = 29), but some CAD/CAM specialists (n = 23) also completed our survey. The participants had an average of 3.8 years (±0.7) of experience in the 3D printing field, and owned a total of 405 printing devices (3.6 on average/person). Conclusions: The impact of social media on this research field is growing increasingly. Hence, we support specialists in joining virtual communities on professional platforms. This article intended to provide a practical overview, feedback, and direction for dentists interested in 3D printing technology. From our survey, we can conclude that additive technology is broadening dental applications and the services that we can provide for our patients.
Highlights
Additive technology is rapidly invading all health care areas, including dentistry [1]
An increasing number of specialists engaged in 3D printing for dentistry use social media and share their experiences on these platforms
Since the beginning of our pilot study, we have been invited by Semmelweis University to present our experience on the impact of social media on 3D printing in dentistry four times:
Summary
Additive technology is rapidly invading all health care areas, including dentistry [1]. 3D printing enables creative ideas, performs additive prototyping, makes adjustments to such prototypes, and generally offers flexibility and high performance for industrial and individual customers [3] As this digital technology has enormous potential and a fast-growing dental field market, knowledge about 3D printing is one of the most significant barriers that can block investment in this technology. Little knowledge has been collected from the specialists in this technology’s physical usage, and the types of 3D printers used, the number of printers, design software, accessibility of the technology, and annual costs seem to be undiscovered areas. An increasing number of specialists engaged in 3D printing for dentistry use social media and share their experiences on these platforms. Our research group aimed to investigate the impact of social media on additive manufacturing technology among dental specialists and their everyday usage of 3D printing.
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